PHOENIX TAXIS RAISES CASH FOR SIR BOBBY ROBSON FOUNDATION

More than £3,000 has been raised by footballing fundraisers for the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

A five-a-side football tournament was organised by Phoenix Taxis, the largest electric and hybrid taxi firm in the UK, which saw 30 teams raise the money for the cancer charity.

The footballers played throughout the day, with winners receiving an outing to watch Newcastle United home game play from Phoenix Taxis’ executive box.

Alex Hurst, managing director at Phoenix Taxis, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have provided this fantastic opportunity for football fans and also to help raise funds to support the important work done by the Foundation. I’d like to thank everyone for their support and enthusiasm – it was a fantastic day.”

The Foundation helps find effective ways to detect and treat cancer. It funds projects, including the clinical trials of new drugs, that directly benefit patients from across the North East and Cumbria and which contribute significantly to international research into cancer.

One of the first people to offer their congratulations on the success of the fundraising event Sir Bobby Robson Foundation supporter Jack Charlton. The World Cup winner was promoting locally produced Northumberland Tea, which makes a donation to the charity for every box sold.

Alex said: “As a lifelong Newcastle United supporter, I did not hesitate to choose to support the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.

“Sir Bobby described the Foundation as “his last and greatest team” and contributing to the on-going pioneering work taking place to benefit cancer patients from across north east England and Cumbria is an honour.

“It was a pleasure to meet up with ‘Big Jack’ to talk about Sir Bobby, the charity and our football event.”

The match was held on 29 March at the Lucozade Power League Soccerdome in North Shields.

Pauline Buglass from the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation said: “The tournament was a great success and we’re grateful to all the footballers, Phoenix Taxis and everyone involved for their enthusiastic support and fundraising efforts.

“The money raised will directly benefit cancer patients in the North East and Cumbria and will help us continue to fulfil Sir Bobby’s ambitions to fund world-class cancer facilities in our region.”